Author: Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Diagram of asteroid Psyche's orbits A, B, C, and D, with altitudes and durations, and sun position during orbit A

December 20, 2021 / Jet Propulsion Laboratory

How NASA’s Psyche Mission Will Explore an Unexplored World

Launching in August 2022 and arriving at the asteroid in 2026, NASA’s Psyche spacecraft will orbit a world we can barely pinpoint from Earth and have never visited. Read article

Two thrusters are visible beneath red round protective covers, after being integrated into the spacecraft.

September 20, 2021 / Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Solar Electric Propulsion Makes NASA’s Psyche Spacecraft Go

Futuristic electric thrusters emitting a cool blue glow will guide the Psyche spacecraft through deep space to a metal-rich asteroid. Read article

panoramic view of JPL's High Bay 2 area showing the bus (body) of the spacecraft and some engineers

August 24, 2021 / Jet Propulsion Laboratory

One Year Out: NASA’s Psyche Mission Moves Closer to Launch

As part of NASA’s Discovery Program, the mission to explore a metal-rich asteroid is well on its way to an August 2022 launch. With NASA’s Psyche mission now less than a year from launch,...

This image is of the main body of the spacecraft (the bus) in a factory space surrounded by engineers.

March 29, 2021 / Jet Propulsion Laboratory

NASA Begins Final Assembly of Spacecraft Destined for Asteroid Psyche

Set to launch next year, the agency’s Psyche spacecraft will explore a metal-rich asteroid in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. A major component of NASA’s Psyche spacecraft...

Engineers are analyzing the construction of the Psyche spacecraft.

February 2, 2021 / Jet Propulsion Laboratory

NASA’s Psyche Mission Moves Forward, Passing Key Milestone

Now just a year and a half from launch, the mission to explore a metal-rich asteroid will soon begin assembling and testing the spacecraft.